BUDD-e

COVID-19 pandemics and related politics have strongly impacted on people’s life and, even more dramatically, that of vulnerable groups, e.g., people with visual impairment. The possibility to cultivate healthy relationships, take part to social events and activities, and to frequent public spaces has been restricted. Even everyday activities (e.g., use public services, shopping, practice sports) have been severely limited in the past 18 months.

According to the World Health Organization, BVI persons have particularly suffered from the COVID19 emergency and are still dramatically affected by the containment measures, being also particularly prone to the contagion risk. This is due to the fact that BVI need tactile contact with the environment and a guide for moving and orienteering.

People with visual impairment are 4% of the planet population (about 253 Millions). In Italy, they are just under 2 Millions among which 219,174 are absolutely blind (0.3% of the population), while 1,383,922 (2.3%) have a visual residue. Between 2010 and 2030 an increase of people with visual disabilities is expected by about 25% due to the population aging.

This large vulnerable group of persons has compelling and urgent needs to recover from the emergency social situation derived from the COVID-19 pandemics and to mitigate for the inequalities which have been exacerbated by it. This can be fostered by assistive technologies and inclusive environments.